When you’re feeling tense, sore or stressed, a message can help you get back to feeling your best. Professional massages can reduce muscle tension, pain and stiffness. They may also improve circulation, flexibility and mood. However, a simple mistake after your massage can reduce its beneficial effects.

So, what shouldn’t you do after a massage? Read on to find out!

1. Forget to Drink Water

One of the most essential things you can do after a message is to drink water. The pressure from massage movements pushes all the fluids out of your muscles, leading to dehydration. Massages also improve circulation in your muscles and release accumulated metabolic waste.

Drinking plenty of water after your session will help your body restore lost fluids and flush the waste. It can also help reduce muscle cramping and soreness.

2. Have a Large Meal

Massages — particularly those that focus on the back and abdomen — can improve your digestion. They do this by releasing the tension in those muscles, stimulating the digestive tract and relieving gas, bloating and cramps.

A large meal can undo the work your massage therapist did for your digestion. You’ll put extra strain on your digestive system as it tries to break down the larger quantity of food. You may also feel drowsy and de-energized. Instead, eat a light meal or snack.

3. Eat Unhealthy Foods

Unhealthy foods full of sugar, grease, fat, and processed ingredients can detract from the soothing effects of your massage. They can make you feel tired and sluggish and are hard on your digestive system. Meat and fish are also harder to digest.

Go easy on your stomach by eating healthy, plant-based foods after your massage. Many fruits and vegetables are easier to digest and contain fiber, which can regulate your digestive system. You’ll also fill your body with the vitamins and nutrients it needs to function optimally.

4. Take a Shower

If you can, try not to take a shower after your massage. Doing so will wash away the massage oils, which are beneficial for your skin and muscles. The oils may also help relieve muscle soreness following your massage.

5. Drink Caffeine or Alcohol

Having an energy drink, cup of coffee or alcoholic beverage can detract from a massage’s healing and relaxing effects. Caffeine can make you feel anxious, agitated and on high alert.

You should also consider avoiding alcohol for at least a few hours. Alcohol can dehydrate you, which can exacerbate muscle soreness and cramping. It can also raise your blood pressure, which your massage just improved.

6. Work Out

Exercising is one of the worst things you can do after a massage. Massages can promote healing in your muscles, helping you recover from injuries or tightness. However, it may leave your muscles feeling a bit sensitive and sore as they heal. Doing a workout or going from a run could worsen muscle pain or even result in injury.

7. Skip Out on Stretching

While you may already feel relaxed and loose after a massage, you can feel even better by stretching. Stretching can prolong the results of your massage by further boosting circulation and relaxing your muscles. Relaxed muscles are also more receptive to stretching, which can improve your flexibility.

Light stretching can also reduce muscle soreness after a massage session. Locate the muscles that feel the worst and gently stretch them. You can also massage your muscles with a massage tool like the Myobuddy Massager Pro 2 to reduce muscle tightness.

8. Forget to Follow Instructions

Life can be busy, and you may struggle to find time to do the homework your massage therapist assigned you. However, it’s essential to follow their instructions so you can reap the most benefits from your massage and see results sooner.

9. Smoke a Cigarette

Massages can improve circulation in the body, helping blood and oxygen flow throughout and promoting healing. If you smoke a cigarette after your massage, you may drastically undo this effect.

Smoking constricts your blood vessels, making it harder for blood to flow. It can also increase your blood pressure, which puts stress on your blood vessels and heart. You may also get a headache after your massage because it can decrease blood flow to your brain.

10. Make Yourself Stressed

Massages can calm your mind and alleviate anxiety and stress. However, when you go out and do stressful things after a massage, you may find yourself feeling the same way as before. Plan your day around your massage so that you can rest or do something relaxing afterward.

Prolong the Positive Effects With a Self-Massage Tool

Massage therapy is incredibly beneficial for your muscles and overall health. However, regularly going to a professional can be expensive. Experience the benefits of massage therapy from home with a Myobuddy massage gun. They simulate that professional massage feeling and reduce muscle aches, pains and stiffness.

If you have any questions about Myobuddy products and how they can help you, reach out to us online. We’ll answer your questions and help you find the right one for your needs!